Changes in Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk in Patients Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Androgen ablation is the mainstay of treatment for advanced prostate cancer. However,luteinizing hormone-releasing (LHRH) agonists are associated with accelerated bone loss, osteoporosis and fractures. An alternative is the non steroidal antiandrogen, bicalutamide, which acts at the androgen receptor and maintains serum testosterone levels. Our aim was to assess the effects of these two treatments on bone mineral density (BMD) of selected groups of patients, based on their BMD at presentation. All patients will undergo peripheral bone densitometry of the forearm, using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Osteoporotic patients, at high risk of fractures, will be commenced on bicalutamide. Osteopenic and normal BMD patients will be commenced on LHRH agonists. All osteopenic and osteoporotic patients will be given calcium and vitamin D supplementation.Patients will undergo annual bone densitometry scans, and will be seen in the clinic every 3 months to monitor well-being and PSA levels. Any patient who fails to respond or escapes treatment with hormone monotherapy will be managed according to the clinical situation by either being switched to a combination of LHRH and bicalutamide or additional oestrogen therapy.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients will locally advanced prostate cancer for whom immediate androgen deprivation was indicated

Exclusion criteria

• Previous systemic therapy for prostate cancer
• Patients with any illness or medication that would affect bone and mineral metabolism
• Severe hepatic or renal insufficiency